/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

Earlier today, 19 June 2024, the Information Regulator (IR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with delegates from the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) at the Regulator’s Johannesburg offices. ESCCOM’s country visit led by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mvilawemphi Dlamini, was aimed at formalising their relationship with the Regulator and signing the MoU on the cooperation and regulation of laws protecting personal data. The MoU signing session was succeeded by an information exchange session and study tour, where the programmes and processes employed by the IR to efficiently implement its mandate was discussed.

The MoU aims to recognise the nature of the modern global economy, the increase in the circulation and exchange of personal information across borders, the increasing complexity of information technologies, and the resulting need for increased cross-border enforcement cooperation. It also acknowledges that the parties have similar powers, functions and duties for the protection of personal information in their respective countries and intends to establish relations and to promote exchanges that assist each other in the enforcement of laws protecting personal information.

Furthermore, the MoU stipulates that the parties may jointly identify one or more areas or initiatives for cooperation. Such cooperation may include but are not limited to, sharing of experiences and exchange of best practices on enforcement, data protection policies, education and training programmes.

The implementation of joint research projects; cooperation on regulatory and policy issues in relation to the development of new technology as it relates to data protection; exchange of information involving potential or on-going investigations of organisations in their respective jurisdictions in relation to a contravention of laws related to personal data protection. Finally, the support of national data protection strategies and enforcement of data protection regulations to create a harmonised framework for data protection policies and regulation between the two countries.

Speaking at the formal signing of the MoU, CEO of the IR, Mr Mosalanyane Mosala said this was a significant milestone in building stronger data protection laws across the African continent. “There are a number of reasons why the signing of this MoU is vital for our country, firstly Eswatini is our immediate neighbour and it’s important that South Africa corporates with Eswatini in terms of our mandate of protecting personal information and access to information, and for this specific MoU which focuses on data protection.

Many South Africans live and work in the Kingdom of Eswatini and vice versa in South Africa, so their personal information crosses the borders between the two countries, and it’s important to have this corporation that enables us to work together in making sure that personal information is protected,” he said. 

Issued by the Information Regulator of South Africa and Eswatini Communications Commission